Insomniac’s Weekly Top Ten: Don’t Sleep On These New Releases

What a week its been. Kanye West rocked a 30 song set at Glastonbury, N.W.A. & the Bad Boy Records crew had on stage reunions, Nicki Minaj & Meek Mill continued their love fest at the BET Awards & Rick Ross is…still in jail. Those are the highs and lows of the industry. But despite that, there are no lows on Insomniac’s Weekly Top Ten list because everyone here is a winner. So peruse the countdown & enjoy!

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1) MATICULOUS is a specialist at delivering hardcore Hip Hop production for the underground. By linking up with M.O.P’s LIL FAME & lyrical queenpin, RAH DIGGA, he pushed the boundaries of raw, in-your-face, bass blasting soundscapes even further with “Black Hoodie Rap.” The deadliest bars in NYC being spit by the most talented emcees in NYC over eerie organs and driving beats helmed by a behind the boards mastermind…What more can one ask for? We’re all on the edge of our seats in anticipation of July 14th, when “The maticulous LP” is released to the public!

2) PKNUCKLE teamed up with lyrical assassin, BISHOP LAMONT, for a cut called “N****z Know” from P’s “Perfect Timing” EP, which was entirely produced by West Coast production legend, Mel Man. The track stomps the competition to the ground, invading our ears with a Biggie vocal sample and sinister slow-riding groove. Both PKnuckle & Bishop are on FIRE! In fact this marks Lamont’s second consecutive week on our Top Ten(following last week’s “Mutiny”). Congratulations to the lyricists for an honor well-deserved!

3) STATIK SELEKTAH builds more excitement for his forthcoming “Lucky 7” album by dropping a new gem featuring SEAN PRICE, BUN B & STYLES P. “Top Tier” is the perfect title for a song featuring the greatest talents in the game. Each lyricist shines, but scene-stealer Sean Price takes the cake with his hilarious “Roots” line.

4) HUS KINGPIN & SMOOVTH put so much time, effort, and creativity into the “Splash Brothers” EP that we know without a doubt that their music will be “Everlasting.” In fact, that’s the title of an Audible Doctor produced banger from the project that serves up serious summer vibes. Blast this joint in the ride on your way to the beach and watch your day get THAT much better!

5) PAPOOSE spit lightning speed lyrics over a big band backdrop and ignited our ear drums with irresistibly funky rhythms(courtesy of Ron Browz). The track is a high energy work out that will have the slow-witted struggling to keep up. Executing the rapid-fire rhyme patterns featured on display requires a certain set of skills…and Papoose has them in abundance!

6) FIRST DIVISION’s Shylow & Expertise heated things up for their forthcoming “Overworked & Underpaid” album by dropping a DJ Premier produced gem called “This Iz Tha Time.” It’s a compelling sonic construction of raw Boom Bap action combined with top of the line lyricism from a Canadian Hip Hop duo who won’t be denied!

7) RUSS makes “Too Many” great songs, so let’s add another one to the list. He produces, raps, and sings & by all appearances seems to be invincible. Listen to his cadence and flow over the track and you’ll agree that not many artists can even dream to reach his level.

8) Boston Hip Hop legend, EDO. G & French production duo, STREET WYZE make the perfect team! Their creative synergy is the reason why the recently released “Afterwords” rises to the top of the heap of 2015’s most exciting projects. Speaking of excitement, “Sorta Way(featuring REKS), instantly registered that emotion within all of our staffers. This is what Hip Hop should always sound like…Thrilling. Powerful. Unstoppable!

9) WAIS P may not be free but you wouldn’t know it by the amount of music that’s been released since his incarceration. Take for example the 70’s sounding, soul-fueled vibes of the Harry Fraud produced “Takers.”(featuring LIL CEASE & MAFFEW RAGAZINO). This is some slick, pimp slap your grandma type ish. If Wais & company keep puttin’ out joints like this WE’LL TAKE IT!

10) NINO MAN dropped his “Hungry For Success 2” mixtape last week & we immediately took notice of his JADAKISS assisted joint “Road Trip.” The track actually makes you feel like you’re on the road doing dirt and evading the law. The lyricists create detailed, action-packed storylines in under 3 minutes; achieving what most filmmakers can’t accomplish with 2 hours. Some road trips linger on and are ultimately disappointing, but with Nino Man & Jadakiss at the helm, this is one road trip you won’t soon forget!

Well, that’s it for this week. Catch ya next time and…DON”T SLEEP!

– Kevin Keith